This is a shameless attempt to save the the most advanced civilization in

history from imminent self destruction by eliminating carbon emission,

dependence on foreign sources of fuel,obesity, hypertension and diabetes.

Cycling accomplishes all those things at once and helps us develop a better

understanding of ourselves, each other and our relationship to the cosmos.

Oh, horse puckey!

I like to ride bikes, have been doing it all my life.

The rest of that crap is just a fringe benefit,

and the blogosphere gives me a chance to share my interior

monologue with virtual rather than imaginary friends.

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Advocacy unbound

It has become routine to go to a monthly meeting of the local bike club and hear about the city and county officials doing more to accomodate and promote cycling. This month was no different, I heard the Parks department is promoting a "Bike Week" to increase usage of the trail systems. The local township is asking for our help to get placement of more "share the road" signs.

As a club one of the most significant things done every year is the promotion of "Bike Camp."

Bike Camp is a four weekend instructional series to help new bikers learn how to ride in today's world.

Volunteers from the club help newbies with basics of fitting a bike, mechanics, pedaling and surviving in traffic.

Along with their fee they get an annual club membership and enrollment in the annual KalTour ride in July.

By providing this program to the community, the club has had over 200 new graduates who have not only taken up recreational riding, but have graduated to daily commuters and even semi-pro racers.

In describing the change it makes, one camp graduate said it moved her from